Getting Straightened Out

Back home for just over two weeks, and my cold is almost gone. I've been saying that for four days, however, so who knows how long it's going to linger. Whenever I get a cold or suffer from allergies, I always feel like I'm almost 100% better, and then I get worse. I can't tell if it's just the lingering effects of the previous cold, or if - because I've been touching my nose and face - I've picked up more germs and it's a new cold. Right now, I could be in either state. Ugh.

I just ordered a guidebook for Japan. When it arrives, I think I'll be able to retrace our steps during the trip, and hopefully I'll then be able to remember all the (crazy) things that happened.

Partner threw a party for my 40th birthday Friday night at the Fox & Hounds (though the party was almost a month after I turned 40 - that happened while I was in Japan). He decided it'd be fun to have a "pirate" theme, so he got decorations and a treasure chest of necklaces for everyone to share. He also got two large platters of sushi from an Asian restaurant in Vancouver. It was quite an event, and almost everyone who was invited showed up. Of course, it helped that the party was held at the same place as the Bears' usual happy hour, so even more friends/acquaintances just happened to be there. I had quite a few Capt & cokes, so you know I had a great night. I don't like to be the center of attention, but because the event was fairly diffused (people spread around the restaurant), it felt okay.

Doug had to fly to SF to visit his sister in the hospital last Saturday. She has ALS and has been dealing with it for a couple of years. Lately she's started to go downhill a bit more, so it was a big deal when she had to go in for a procedure. Doug's at her house now, and she seems to be improving, so he will fly back here tonight.

After I drove him to the airport on Saturday, I went by myself to the annual pool party hosted by Greg and Dave. They have a beautiful home with a pool and hot tub, and they always provide the most wonderful food. The party is clothing optional and most guys are naked, which automatically means it's a great event! Later that evening I fooled around with one of the hosts, and later on my way out, his partner walked me to the door and kissed me. Both occurrences were a surprise to me, especially because this was my fourth time attending the party, and this had never happened. I met these guys the year I moved to Portland at a Thanksgiving party, and it seemed to me that I pissed off Greg when Dave and I flirted quite heavily (the irony, of course, is that I'm actually more attracted to Greg). I thought that they were both cold to me over the last few years, despite the fact that Partner and I got invited to their parties. Now, I'm just confused. Hopefully we won't have to wait til next August before I can get "straightened" out.

Doug flies in tonight. We have no plans for the weekend, so it should be relaxing and fun...